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formula1.com: STR5 marks start of constructor era for Toro Rosso
No longer using just the Red Bull B team, Toro Rosso is building its own cars this year.

formula1.com: Technical insights into the R30formula1.com: Petrov confirmed as new driver for Renault
Nick Heidfeld had been rumored to be in contention for this ride but did not get it. Ho-Pin Tung, star of the rookie tests, takes the reserve driver role for the team.

jama.jp: Motorcycle Production Data for December 2009
Number of Motorcycles Produced
Motorcycle production in December 2009 was recorded as 51,915 units. Compared with the 112,024 units total recorded for the same month of the previous year, this is a decrease of 60,109 units or 53.7%, and production decrease on the same month of the previous year for twenty eight consecutive months.

December 2009 Motorcycle Production Figures by Class
50cc or under 4,862 units, down 9,357 units or 65.8%
51 - 125cc 6,269 units, down 549 units or 8.1%
126 - 250cc 9,579 units, down 7,160 units or 42.8%
Over 250cc 31,205 units, down 43,043 units or 58.0%

Number of Motorcycle Domestic Sales
Domestic sales (factory shipment) in December 2009 stood at 24,919 units, a decrease of 18.2% as compared with the same month of the previous year.

Number of Motorcycle Produced
Motorcycle production for Calendar Year 2009 (January 2009 - December 2009) was recorded as 644,901 units. Compared with the 1,226,839 units total recorded for the previous year, this is a decrease of 581,938 units or 47.4%, and production decrease for four consecutive years.

Number of Motorcycle Domestic Sales
Domestic sales (factory shipment) for Calendar Year 2009 stood at 380,777 units, a decrease of 27.1 % and the decrease for four consecutive years.
Calendar Year 2009 Motorcycle Domestic Sales Figures by Class
50cc or under 255,561 units, down 13.6%
51 - 125cc 65,888 units, down 45.5%
126 - 250cc 37,180 units, down 33.2%
Over 250cc 22,148 units, down 55.5%

Following a highly constructive and positive meeting of the Formula One Commission yesterday, agreement was reached by all the sport‘«÷s stakeholders on a number of amendments to the sporting and technical regulations.

The proposals will be submitted to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for final approval within the next 48 hours.

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship

- Points system

In order to further encourage the ‘«ˇrace to win‘«÷, an adjustment to the points system was agreed. Points for both titles will be awarded at each event according to the following scale:

The number of dry weather tyres sets allocated per driver has been reduced from 14 to 11.

In addition, to encourage teams to run during the Friday practice sessions, one set has to be returned before the start of the second practice session, and two sets before the start of the third practice session.

- Improving the show

In order to introduce a further element of strategy, cars having participated in Q3 must start the race on the same set of tyres with which their grid time was set.

Further measures for 2010 are also being examined.

- New technologies

The Commission received a strong mandate from the FIA President to examine the introduction of new environmental technologies in the Championship. The mandate was warmly welcomed by the teams and further proposals will be developed.

2011 FIA Formula One World Championship

- Diffusers

The permitted height of the main diffuser was reduced from 175mm to 125mm and measures to exclude ‘«ˇdouble‘«÷ diffusers were agreed.

Birthplace of the VFR 1200F
Kumamoto The mother ship of Honda motorcycle factories One of the most modern and environmentally factories in Japan.Watch the VFR1200 being assembled
Production line is 130 meters long producing one motorcycle every 90 seconds
Via YouTube and several other sites:

Summary:
PIAGGIO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 APRILIA RSV4 "FACTORY?? AND RSV4 "R" MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2, 2009, AND OCTOBER 30, 2009. IN MANUFACTURING THE CONNECTING RODS, A PROCESS WAS USED TO STRAIGHTEN THE ROD IN ORDER TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS. THIS PROCESS INTRODUCED STRESSES INTO THE RODS WHICH GREATLY AFFECTED STRENGTH AND RELIABILITY.

Consequence:
CONNECTING RODS IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES COULD FAIL AND CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE THAT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

Remedy:
PIAGGIO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PIAGGIO AT 1-212-380-4431.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

BMW PressClub: Canada

Motorrad.
BMW Motorrad Canada retailed 54 motorcycles in the first month of 2010, a best ever January result and increase of 170 per cent over the same period in 2009. Contributing to this success of BMW Motorrad is the new S1000RR Superbike, as its popularity grows among a young demographic.

BMW PressClub: Netherlands

BMW Motorrad behaalt doelstellingen over 2009.
‘«ů 02.02.2010
‘«ů Persbericht
Munich/Cassinetta. BMW Motorrad can look back on a successful year in 2009 in spite of a very difficult market environment marked by the global financial and economic crisis. Last year 87,306 (previous year: 101,685) BMW motorcycles were delivered to customers which is equivalent to a comparatively moderate drop of 14.1%. BMW Motorrad has thus not only reached the target it set itself, but also achieved the second-lowest decline in sales amongst the competition.

While the world market for motorcycles above 500 cubic centimetres was still approximately 1.5 million vehicles in 2007, it shrank to about 900,000 units in 2009. This corresponds to a market drop of around 40% in two years. In the crisis year of 2009 alone the world market declined by more than 30%.

Despite these downward tendencies in the motorcycle markets, BMW Motorrad was able to grow in the European markets Great Britain and Eastern Europe, in the Asian markets of Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, as well as in the Middle East and Brazil.

Due to its continued powerful product offensive, the white and blue brand performed outstandingly on other export markets, often expanding its market share considerably. In the seven important motorcycle markets of Great Britain, Italy, France, Spain, the USA, Japan and Germany, BMW Motorrad increased its market share throughout.

This was achieved even though market sales dropped by 32% in the segment above 500 cubic centimetres. Compared to the competition, which lost between 20% and almost 50% of its sales, BMW Motorrad sales dropped by only 16%.

In Germany, which is still the biggest market for BMW Motorrad, 15,833 (previous year: 18,112) BMW motorcycles were registered, representing a drop of 12.6%. In spite of this environment BMW Motorrad was able to defend its market leadership in the once again shrinking overall market (-14.5%) as well as in the segment above 500 cc. The BMW share in the overall market was 17.7% in December (previous year: 17.3%). In the segment above 500 cc the market share was 19.0% (previous year: 18.1%).

Italy continues to be the second largest for BMW Motorrad. Here a total of 13,207 BMW motorcycles were registered (previous year: 15,342), a decline of 13.9% (market as a whole: minus 20.0 %). The market share of BMW Motorrad in the segment over 500 cc increased to14.3 % (previous year: 13.0 %).

In the USA, too - BMW Motorrad‘«÷s third largest market - the market as a whole decreased by 41.6 %. Here 9,168 (previous year: 11,831) BMW motorcycles were registered, a drop of 22.5 % as compared to the previous year. However, it was possible to increase the market share over 500 cc by 2.0% to 2.6%.

In 2009 once again, the most successful model overall was the large travel enduro BMW R 1200 GS (15,864 units) along with its sibling model, the R 1200 GS Adventure (8,803 units). Outstanding sales figures were also achieved by the F 800 GS (10,974 units) and the F 800 R (5,828 units), where the conquest rate was especially pleasing.

BMW Motorrad in 2010 - a look ahead.
The prospects for 2010 look promising: this is because BMW Motorrad was able to extend its market share across the board and take on market leadership in several instances, thereby creating an excellent basis for future growth.

With the new S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad has a supersports volume model in its program for a full season for the first time, with some 2,300 orders already having been placed by the time of the market launch on December 6th 2009.

From February 6th 2010 BMW customers will benefit from the model revision of the new BMW 1200 GS / Adventure and BMW R 1200 RT which are to be launched with the new DOHC flat twin engines.

In addition to this, the BMW Motorrad model program is in excellent shape generally for 2010. In the worlds of experience Enduro, Tour, Urban, Sport and HP there are fascinating motorcycles to suit virtually every taste. The model range is supplemented by an extensive program of accessories and innovative BMW Motorrad rider equipment.

Husqvarna Motorcycles puts in a powerful sales performance.
Husqvarna Motorcycles, the second motorcycle brand of the BMW Group, achieved worldwide sales figures of 13,052 units (previous year: 13,511) - a decline of just 3%. And in the seven major motorcycle markets the drop in sales was only 2%.

Sales in Australia, Germany and France developed very positively, with the previous year‘«÷s figures being far exceeded in each case. Husqvarna Motorcycles even increased its performance in the heavily declining US market (- 41.6%).
Now that the new model TE 250 has been so well received by the market, a model offensive is planned for 2010: in spite of a difficult market environment, this provides hope of a positive sales development.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Press Release

Munich (DE), 5th February 2010. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport officially launched its second season in the FIM Superbike World Championship with a presentation at BMW Group Classic in Munich on Friday. With riders Troy Corser (AU) and Ruben Xaus (ES) set to commence battle for the first World Championship points of the year at Phillip Island (AU) on 28th February, the team gave international media representatives the opportunity to get an idea of the current progress of the project.

In the presence of Infront Motor Sports CEO Paolo Flammini, Superbike World Championship Director Paolo Ciabatti and a selection of other guests, Corser and Xaus laid on a spectacular show at BMW Group Classic, riding onto the stage on two BMW S 1000 RR machines. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport recorded 17 top-ten finishes in 2009, its debut season in the Superbike World Championship.

General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim said: ‘«£Even back in the initial development phase of the BMW S 1000 RR we were clear that we wanted to build a supersport bike for the road with genes from the race track. Our aim was to be battling for pole position in the supersport segment straightaway ‘«Ű and we did that in impressive fashion. Never before has one of our new motorcycles enjoyed such positive press reviews. Showcasing the potential of this bike on the track as well as on the road is a logical move for BMW Motorrad. The Superbike World Championship pits us against our direct competitors, and we are looking to show that we can match or even get the better of them.‘«ō

Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport Berthold Hauser added: ‘«£Our goal is to close the gap to the leading teams. We are aiming to finish in the top five as regularly as possible and pick up our first podium. That‘«÷s the ambitious aim we have set ourselves for our second year in what is an extremely challenging World Championship. However, we are well aware that our competitors have not been standing still either. The Superbike World Championship brings us up against six motorcycle manufacturers who have established themselves on the race track. You can set yourself aims in sport and make plans to achieve them, but you cannot dictate results ‘«Ű those have to be earned out on the track. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport is working flat out to make this possible.‘«ō

The team is sticking with the experienced rider pairing of Corser and Xaus for its second year in the Superbike World Championship. Together they have notched up no fewer than 507 starts and 44 wins in this series. The ambition of two-time world champion Corser remains undiminished: ‘«£I definitely want to win another World Championship before the end of my career. The next step along the road to achieving that goal is to collect as many top-five finishes as possible this season. You can sense the determination of BMW Motorrad to climb the ladder.‘«ō

Xaus is also aiming high for the coming season: ‘«£I‘«÷m very happy to be competing as part of such a strong works team and to be playing my part in this project from the ground up,‘«ō explains the Spaniard. ‘«£We are looking to take the next step in 2010 to ensure that our goals become reality in the not too distant future.‘«ō

A new addition to the team is Davide Tardozzi, a man with a proven track record in Superbike racing. The Italian will head up team management and operational control at the race tracks. Rainer B?Ůumel will continue as Head of Overall Project Management and Project Management Engineering.

Following the tests in Portim?ķo (PT) and Valencia (ES), Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport is now preparing for the first race weekend of the Superbike World Championship in Australia. Further tests are scheduled at the Phillip Island Circuit on 20th, 21st and 22nd February ahead of the first race weekend of the season there commencing 26th February.

Pro Racing continues its reorganization. This time it is on the flat track scene.

Press Release:

Steve Morehead Joins AMA Pro Flat Track as Operations Manager
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 5, 2010) - AMA Pro Racing announced today the hiring of Steve Morehead as AMA Pro Flat Track Operations Manager.
During a successful racing career, Morehead was known as the "Findlay Flyer," and was one of the leading AMA Pro Grand National Championship racers from the mid-1970s through the 1990s. In all, Morehead won a total of 23 AMA Nationals during his 26-year professional racing career. He finished ranked in the top-10 17 times. Morehead was a fan favorite and was one of the oldest riders on the AMA Pro circuit when he retired.
At the beginning of the 2000 season, Morehead accepted a position as Professional Flat Track Operations Manager for the American Motorcycle Association. Morehead's expertise on and off the race track has helped bring dirt-track racing to an even higher level. During the 2009 season, Morehead worked part time as the AMA Pro Racing Flat Track referee.
"Steve's full-time employment and his 35 years of flat track experience will be a huge asset in the continued growth and development of AMA Pro Flat Track," said Mike Kidd, AMA Pro Racing Director of Flat Track.
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

Following the money in AMA Pro Racing

AMA Pro Racing Announces Daytona 200 Purse, Schedule and Entry Extension
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 5, 2010) - AMA Pro Racing and the Daytona International Speedway are pleased to announce the comprehensive purse structure and schedule of events for the March 3-5 Daytona 200 Week at the world famous Daytona International Speedway.

The $225,000 total purse features an enhanced payout for the premier AMA Pro Racing National Guard American SuperBike class that will feature two races this year, the first of which will be on Thursday, March 4th and the new, second race on Friday, March 5th. The two 15-lap races will feature purse payouts being paid from 1st to 15th place.

The historic Daytona 200 AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike presented by AMSOIL race will be once again held under the lights on Friday night, March 5th. The 57-lap race will feature prize money for 1st through 20th place with $20,000 going to the winner of this prestigious event as well as a place in the history books joining many of the greatest names in motorcycle racing.

The 2010 Daytona 200 Week will also see two AMA Pro Racing SuperSport races. The first 12-lap race will be Thursday, March 4th and the second 12-lap race will be Friday afternoon, March 5th. These races are sure to be exciting as the AMA Pro SuperSport Young Gun riders go up against more experienced local AMA Pro Racing Top Gun riders.

Other features of the event include the always popular Thursday, March 4th rider autograph session and the many fan-friendly activities around Daytona International Speedway.

Also announced today is the extension of the registration deadline for the Daytona 200 Week events. The deadline for entering the event is now February 12, 2010.

thekneeslider.com: Is any motorcycle company indispensable?
As you read this it is obvious this is not written for a brand centric site like ours. Yet some of the questions and insights are worth considering in our context.

The Outdoor Channel selected Zero Motorcycles for the popular series "Ride to Adventure Extreme." The upcoming episode takes place in Colorado where a group of off-road riders climb to over 13,000 feet on one of the toughest backcountry passes in the state. It's showing at 5:30PM and 8:30PM PST Monday Feb 8th.Bike Cruller

BMW Motorrad Motorsport enduro hardman Andreas Lettenbichler narrowly missed out on a place on the podium at the sixth running of the Hell‘«÷s Gate extreme enduro, staged in Italy, as the G 450 X rider was the last competitor to be withdrawn from the knock-out style competition. Making his first international outing in 2010, Letti‘«÷ made light work of the demanding five-hour morning qualifying enduro where he finished behind Poland‘«÷s Taddy Blazusiak and Britain‘«÷s Graham Jarvis before going on to produce one of the standout performances of the main event.

Right from the start of the qualifying enduro it was clear that the ‘«÷10 edition of Hell‘«÷s Gate was going to be extremely difficult but unfazed by the challenging conditions Letti‘«÷ battled his way through the four lap race to finish just 38 seconds behind winner Blazusiak. Second on two of the special tests and third on the other Letti‘«÷ ensured a front row starting position for the gruelling main event.

Making a good start Letti‘«÷ was soon running in fourth position but with certain sections of the course impassable without the assistance of event staff he frustratingly found himself with no option but to stop his engine and wait as the riders ahead of him were pulled, one at a time, to the top of one difficult, rocky climb. Meaning that at the end of the opening lap he was already a considerable distance behind then race leader Graham Jarvis, Letti worked hard to move into third position, which he held until the end of the race. Although not officially classified as a ‘«ˇfinisher‘«÷ Letti‘«÷ was the third and only rider who remained in the competition on laps three and four.

BMW austria / Speedbrain supported Austrian rider Rudi Poeschl also produced a strong result, especially considering it was his first visit to Hell‘«÷s Gate. 13th in the morning qualifying race he was in eighth position when he was withdrawn from the main event having fallen more than 40 minutes behind the race leader.

Andreas Lettenbichler: ‘«£The morning qualifying race went well for me. You always know coming to an event like Hell‘«÷s Gate that it will be difficult, so there is no point in using more energy than you need to during the morning. I had some good special tests, I found some good lines, and the race went well. Finishing third behind Blazusiak and Jarvis was a great start to the event. But the morning race doesn‘«÷t mean much once the main Hell‘«÷s Gate race starts. Unfortunately the main race was too tough. Most of the riders I have spoken to said it was too hard. Having just two finishers isn‘«÷t a good thing. But anyway, I had a good start and was looking forward to a good race. But there were sections where you couldn‘«÷t ride your bike and had to wait for it to be pulled up with a rope. There was no option but to wait until you got pulled up. By the time you were at the top the riders ahead of you were along way ahead. I was fourth on the first lap and then moved forward one place. I knew that I was the third and last rider in the race as I started the third lap, it was hard to keep motivated when it‘«÷s like this. I started the fourth lap in third position but because I was quite a long way behind the leaders the organisers pulled be out of the event. It‘«÷s disappointing but knowing that I was third in the morning race, and was the third rider in the final is very positive.‘«ō

Bikes in the Fast Lane: South Africa ‘«Ű promoting tourism through motorcycles
I love South Africa and long to return. Take a look and you will see some of the reasons why.

asphaltandrubber.com: BMW S1000RS ‘«Ű Oberdan Bezzi continues evolving the S1000RR in naked form
I came across this on the A and R site before I reached my rss feed for motosketches.blogspot.com. The site always has great rendering of ideas to push known bikes in new directions. I watch the explosion of the S1000RR on the motorcycling world but like the artist I wonder what directions BMW will take their sporting lineup next.

On the other end of the performance spectrum Ducati mulls big-money new Desmosedici RR road bike. Technically it would be fascinating. From the business side you have to wonder. Unlike BMW, the US market is the Dominate market for sales. Yes dominate with a capital D. Decline in sales in this market have resulted in big cutbacks at the Italian manufacturer. Can they afford to head in this direction. I‘«÷m not a shareholder so I hope the answer is YES.

FloodSmart.gov
The snow ice and the future problems of flooding are becoming a concern her in fly-over-land. Several news shows have been urging people to check their need for flood insurance. The FloodSmart web site is a simple tool to do this with. Fill in your address information and you are given a general rating for your risk of flooding; mine is moderate in my new digs. Flood insurance takes three months to take effect. Now is the time to plan and acquire coverage. In addition to insurance it is time to think about what are your localized property flooding issues. The roof and walls of my garage are sound. The doors are terrible and snow build up at the garage doors on the alley need to be cleared so my Roadster does not need to learn how to swim when it finally is warm enough to melt that junk. Just something to think about.

FWIW

Over the Holiday season I read the Harry Potter series of books. I put off reading the series until all of the books were in print. Tom Riddle, a.ka. Lord Voldemort is Harry‘«÷s arch nemeses through the series. As I read I was bumping into the story line of Formula 1‘«÷s version of the Dark Lord, Flavio Briatore.

At the end of the 2009 season Briatore was handed a life ban from participating in F1. His ‘«ˇhenchmen‘«÷ were given various punishments and life was to go on without the threat of the dastardly deeds of the Dark Lord FB occurring again. For his part Briatore said he would fight the ban through various court proceedings. The first of these was held in France in the beginning of January.

The Dark Lord FB lives.

French courts ruled that the FIA life ban on Briatore and the other sanctions on his cohort were improper and were thrown out. The core of thinking of the judgment (I have not been able to find or read a translated copy) according to reports in the press I have read centers around the FIA‘«÷s authority to place such sanctions on anyone in the roles of the people sanctioned.

The FIA sporting rules that were used to apply the sanctions deal with licensed participants in F1. The court recognized that drivers and certain other participants were regulated under the sporting rules and could be sanctioned; even in draconian ways as life time bans from the sport. However, they ruled that none of the people sanctioned fell within the class of people that were licensed; therefore, they could not be sanctioned as provided by the rules. They have allowed the sanctions to stand pending an appeal from the FIA. That process is time bound in some way. Nelson Piquet was the only person in the Singapore crash case that was licensed and could have been sanctioned. As you recall he was granted immunity.

The story will continue. Briatore is considering more legal action against the FIA to recover damages. He and the others involved are involved in other actions as a result of actions taken because of the sanctions they received. The FIA for its part is considering a two part response.

The first is a possible appeal of that ruling. If done in a timely manner the appeal would have the effect of continuing the sanctions during the process and could lead to a favorable decision for the FIA.

The FIA‘«÷s second approach to looking at rewriting the sporting rules to give the FIA the authority to in effect license all parts of the participating teams in some manner. The real fear is that FOTA will baulk at this in a drastic way. The changes have the potential of giving the FIA all kinds of authority over the internal operations of teams. Many of the teams consist of independent team based operations and employees blended with factory components. No manufacturer is going to want to subject their company operations to such external control for a variety of very legitimate reasons.

FIA, FIM, WSBK, MotoGP, AMA Pro Racing and others

The on going story of the Dark Lord FB is a FIA/Formula 1 story. Yet as I look across the racing bodies who host series I follow variations of the core issues are played out in each. How does racing deal with the money? How are the parallel but some times divergent needs of the sport teams and factory sponsors reconciled?

Racers Race

It is a simplistic obvious point to make. It is also a point lost all too often in the dealings of the participants all levels including fans. The law of unintended consequences quickly goes into play as soon as we organize ourselves and our racing efforts. We find ourselves becoming rule experts instead of race ____(insert appropriate race related role here). In that process we loose sight of why we are engaged in this at all. Harry Potter may have spent seven years of his life fighting the advances of Lord Voldemort but Racers Race.

Jean Todt has found it is very easy to get misquoted. ‘«£News‘«ō flashed around the F1 world that teams would be allowed to miss up to three races during the 2010 season. This took several teams off the hook it seemed. Wait a minute said Todt, that is not what I said and the FIA made the following press release:

Press Release
FIA Formula One World Championship
10/02/2010
PARTICIPATION IN EVENTS COUNTING TOWARDS
THE FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Following recent reports on the interpretation of clauses in the Concorde Agreement concerning the concept of a Team's ‘«ˇparticipation‘«÷ in the FIA Formula One World Championship, the FIA wishes to make the following clarification:

From a sporting and regulatory point of view, each Team that has registered for the Championship is obliged to take part in every event of the season. Any failure to take part, even for just one Championship event, would constitute an infringement both of the Concorde Agreement and the FIA Regulations.

Lotus has had a car on the track. Virgin has been on the track enough to run out of parts. Sauber introduced a new car and drivers. Campos and US F1 remain the big question marks.

Press Release from BMW NABMW Motorrad USA Expands Dealer Network with the Opening of Eight New Facilities
‘«ů 10.02.2010
‘«ů Press Release
BMW Brand Targets Growing Number of Dual-Sport Riders
Woodcliff Lake, NJ ‘«Ű February 10, 2010‘«™ BMW Motorrad USA has announced the opening of eight new dealerships within the past five months to better serve BMW motorcycle customers in new and underserved markets.

‘«£In 2010 and beyond we will continue to identify growth opportunities for the BMW brand in markets that do not currently have a BMW motorcycle dealership by partnering with new or existing motorcycle dealers in those areas,‘«ō commented Todd Andersen, BMW Motorrad USA Marketing Manager.

‘«£Our dedicated dealer network was the key to our success last year,‘«ō added Mr. Andersen, citing the fact that BMW Motorrad USA outperformed the industry for the 2nd year in a row in 2009 despite an overall motorcycle industry decline of 41 percent. ‘«£Our dealers continued to serve our customers well thanks to new products like the K1300 GT, K 1300 S, and the new S 1000 RR Superbike, as well as attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services.‘«ō

Bike Cruller

On any track Moto2 is fully subscribed. Compare this to other series that are running down sized grids. On the drafting board and CAD systems may be the most important class for future motorcycle development. Dinged by some as a one engine class it is the place where the future of chassis and suspension design can be explore by designers. Manufactures should thing of it as a combination of OJ and a very advanced master‘«÷s seminar.

The Kneeslider has a piece on the Dechaves Garage 599BL Moto 2 Concept. It has many of the elements I would like to see explored like the trellis frame and swing arm. The problem is we are exploring extensions of the current fair. I had hoped for possible applications of other suspension designs.

Friday, February 12

Posting on the fly today.

Press Release: BMW PressClub CanadaBMW Motorrad Canada and Rush HD jump into Canadian Superbike for 2010
‘«ů 10.02.2010
‘«ů Press Release
Whitby, ON. BMW Motorrad Canada, confirming that it will be fielding a two rider factory superbike team in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship in 2010, is also pleased to announce a collaboration with Rush HD as the title sponsor of the Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team.

Rush HD is Canada‘«÷s only high-octane, no fear, no limits extreme sports adventure HD channel. Rush HD is owned and operated by High Fidelity HDTV Inc., Canada‘«÷s leading HD broadcaster and production enterprise whose four all-HD channels provide Canadians with best-in-class non-fiction programming on the themes of Nature, Culture and Adventure.

In conjunction with the superbike sponsorship, the Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team will be followed all season long by a documentary film crew capturing the creation and activities of a superbike team in action, for the production and broadcast of a six part one hour mini series to be shown on Rush HD this fall. John Panikkar, Rush HD‘«÷s chief executive, said ‘«£Rush HD is delighted to be title sponsor of this year‘«÷s Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team. The action-adventure programming we broadcast on Rush HD is a natural fit with the action and excitement of a superbike racing series. ‘«ō

Chris Duff, Manager, Motorrad Marketing, stated, ‘«£We are thrilled to have Rush HD onboard as we prepare and race the most exciting new entry in the 2010 Canadian Superbike season‘«ō.

Both riders from BMW‘«÷s 2009 team, Francis Martin and Michael Ferreira, will once again be the riders in the hot seat, tasked with bringing a superbike victory to BMW Motorrad Canada in 2010.

Francis Martin is no stranger to racing in the Superbike Class having won two Canadian Superbike Championships in 1999 and 2005 respectively along with another litre bike title in 2002, the Pro Open Sportbike Championship. ‘«£I'm very exited about the next season and have been waiting for this moment for a long time‘«ō says Francis Martin. ‘«£Now we have the bike to win and the tuner with whom I won my last championship‘«ō.

Michael Ferreira will be making his Superbike Class debut in 2010 and continues his streak as the longest serving rider on the team after racing the BMW boxer twins in Canadian Thunder and Pro Sportbike classes since 2007. Ferreira, the winner of the 2006 RACE Pro 600 Sportbike Championship, will not have any trouble transferring his skills back onto an in-line four race bike from the twins he recently has competed on.

When asked about his thoughts of racing in the Superbike Class, Ferreira had this to say, "From the day I started racing, my dream was always to race in the premier class against the best riders in the country. Three years ago I was blessed with an opportunity to race for BMW and it‘«÷s been an experience of a lifetime with what now will be the highlight of my racing career. I couldn't be happier than to share this experience with the brand that has had so much faith in me."

Joining the Rush HD / BMW Motorrad Superbike Team this season is famed Canadian superbike tuner Patrice Goyette of Mobile PG. Patrice recently was the main crew chief behind Clint McBain of Acceleration Racing the past two years and has a previous relationship with Francis Martin from when they won the 2005 Canadian Superbike Championship.

‘«£Staying with our same two riders this year was always the plan when we talked about jumping into the Superbike Class‘«ō said Chris Duff, Manager Motorrad Marketing. ‘«£Now that we have also been able to add a huge asset in Patrice, this should show race fans our commitment to winning races in 2010.‘«ō

Also partnering with the Rush HD / BMW Motorrad Superbike Team this year will be three new sponsors: Joe Rocket, Hotbodies Bodywork and Hindle Exhausts. Joe Rocket returns to BMW after a three year hiatus and Bruce Parker, President of Joe Rocket Canada enthused: ‘«£ we are excited about renewing our relationship with BMW Motorrad Canada and looking forward to BMW adding to our history of Rocket Racing success.‘«ō

With the launch of the new S1000RR, BMW Motorrad now has the arsenal needed to fight for superbike championships worldwide and Canada is no exception.

The 2010 Canadian Superbike Championship begins with Round 1 from the ICAR facility at Mirabel Quebec May 28-30 and then continues for Rounds 2 & 3 at Calgary‘«÷s Race City Motorsport Park June 24-27. Rounds 4 & 5 will be the annual mid-summer Mosport Doubleheader Weekend July 8-11 and the final two rounds, Rounds 6 & 7 will take place August 5-8 from Shubenacadie Nova Scotia. Follow all rounds of the Canadian Superbike Championship on TSN HD in 2010.

The BMW Group
The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of more than 1.43 million automobiles and over 101,000 motorcycles for the 2008 financial year. Revenues for 2008 totalled EUR 53.2 billion, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 921 million. The company employed a global workforce of approximately 98,000 associates on 30 September 2009.
The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last five years.

BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 40 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 25 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

High Fidelity HDTV Inc.

High Fidelity HDTV Inc. is Canada‘«÷s leading all-HD broadcasting and production enterprise. Its four channels ‘«Ű Oasis HD, Treasure HD, Equator HD and Rush HD, offer audiences the best in primarily non-fiction HD television programming on the themes of Nature, Culture and Adventure. High Fidelity‘«÷s channels are offered Canada-wide via satellite television, and regionally on Canada‘«÷s top cable and IPTV companies

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 11, 2010) - AMA Pro Racing is proud to announce that longtime motorcycle racing veteran David McGrath has joined the Daytona Beach organization as Race Director and as a key member of its competition department.

McGrath has an extensive 25 year career in virtually every aspect of motorcycle roadracing and enjoyed a successful stint as a rider. McGrath then progressed into a management role as crew chief for many successful riders and racing programs, which then led to key positions with a number of top motorcycle organizations and manufacturers including Dunlop, Vance & Hines, Buell and American Honda. McGrath's responsibilities have included crew chief, head of research and development departments and overall race and support department management.

"I have had the opportunity to work with some really talented people during my career" said McGrath, "and I've done just about every job in the four corners of the paddock. I am excited to be a part of making AMA Pro Racing as good as it can be and if we can get the motorcycling community all pushing in the same direction, I feel we can see this sport achieve the success it so richly deserves."
David Atlas, COO and Managing Member of AMA Pro Racing welcomed McGrath to the Company, "I am delighted to be adding David to our excellent staff. He will bring a wealth of experience to the sport and he fits in perfectly with the very capable group that we have assembled for this season starting at Daytona and beyond."

McGrath is married and is the father of triplets. He is now in the process of relocating to Florida and will be operating full time out of the Daytona Beach headquarters of AMA Pro Racing.

McGrath doesn't hide his love of the sport, "You could say I have an obsession with this sport and it is a dream come true for me to be a part of a group of people who are as devoted to motorcycle racing as I am."

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

Off-road team to race under the name ‘«£BMW Husqvarna Motorsport‘«ō.
Evolutionary entrant in the FIM Enduro World Championship.

Munich/Cassinetta. The 2010 season will see BMW Motorrad Motorsport lining up in the E2 class of the FIM Enduro World Championship under the name ‘«£BMW Husqvarna Motorsport‘«ō. The reason for signing up with the FIM under this new name is to achieve a targeted pooling of off-road racing expertise by the two brands BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles in the area of 450 cc four-stroke engines. The aim is to set up an ideal knowledge transfer through this sporting involvement, while at the same time optimising the team‘«÷s performance.

Rainer Thoma, President and CEO of Husqvarna Motorcycles, explains: ‘«£In order to achieve sustainable economic as well as sporting success, it is essential to exploit synergies as best we can. That is why we are now collaborating intensively with our colleagues at BMW Motorrad. We are pooling the enormous expertise of both brands: know-how from BMW Motorrad will flow to Husqvarna and vice-versa.‘«ō

The BMW Husqvarna Motorsport team is set to live up to this target: it will be entering the season with the BMW G 450 X under the team management of Speedbrain. In parallel with this, over the course of the season Husqvarna Motorcycles will be working together with specialists from BMW Motorrad and Speedbrain to develop a machine based on the Husqvarna frame/chassis concept and coupled with the 450 cc four-stroke engine developed by BMW Motorrad. Following extensive trials, the team plans to deploy the motorcycle in the ongoing event.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Berthold Hauser adds: ‘«£Our goal is clear: with the BMW Husqvarna Motorsport team we intend to compete for the title in the E2 class of the 2010 Enduro World Championship. Our E2 class runner-up result in the drivers‘«÷ and manufacturers‘«÷ championship, our win in the Red Bull Romaniacs and many more triumphs and podium places around the world bear witness to the potential of the BMW G 450 X concept and the team‘«÷s outstanding work in the season just past. Our joint involvement in enduro racing now provides the ideal platform on which to test how an authentic Husqvarna with the BMW G 450 X drive concept acquits itself in the competitive arena.‘«ō

Team Husqvarna CH Racing will continue to run in the E1 and E3 class of the FIM Enduro World Championship. The Supermoto and Motocross segments will also remain under the Husqvarna banner.

Earnings Development
After the toughest fiscal year in the company‘«÷s history (2008/09), the KTM Group is back in the black and achieved consolidated revenues in the amount of ‘ťľ 110.3 m (-16.6% compared to the previous year) and anEBIT of ‘ťľ 6.1 m (+36% compared to the previous year) in the first quarter of 2009/10. The net profit increased by ‘ťľ 31.5 m from ‘ťľ -27.9 m in the previous year to ‘ťľ 3.6 m.

KTM has developed favourably in the ‘«Ű still declining ‘«Ű motorcycle market compared to the current market trend and was able to gain market shares. In total, 17,056 motorcycles (-15% compared to the previous year) were sold in the first quarter of 2009/10. As at November 30th, 2009, we achieved a 36.5% reduction in KTM inventories and 21.3% in dealer inventories from the previous year.

Due to a positive free cash flow, net indebtedness could be reduced from ‘ťľ 243.4 m to ‘ťľ 228.5 m in the first quarter.

Sustainable effects of restructuring measures
KTM‘«÷s CEO Stefan Pierer stated the following: ‘«£The restructuring measures, which had to be implemented in the previous year, have already shown sustainable effects. For example, total costs could be reduced by more than 30% in the first quarter compared to the previous year ‘«Ű we are, thus, able to make profits again, even if the sales volume is lower.‘«ō

Munich/Cassinetta. The 2010 season will see BMW Motorrad Motorsport lining up in the E2 class of the FIM Enduro World Championship under the name "BMW Husqvarna Motorsport". The reason for signing up with the FIM under this new name is to achieve a targeted pooling of off-road racing expertise by the two brands BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles in the area of 450 cc four-stroke engines. The aim is to set up an ideal knowledge transfer through this sporting involvement, while at the same time optimising the team's performance.

Rainer Thoma, President and CEO of Husqvarna Motorcycles, explains: "In order to achieve sustainable economic as well as sporting success, it is essential to exploit synergies as best we can. That is why we are now collaborating intensively with our colleagues at BMW Motorrad. We are pooling the enormous expertise of both brands: know-how from BMW Motorrad will flow to Husqvarna and vice-versa."

The BMW Husqvarna Motorsport team is set to live up to this target: it will be entering the season with the BMW G 450 X under the team management of Speedbrain. In parallel with this, over the course of the season Husqvarna Motorcycles will be working together with specialists from BMW Motorrad and Speedbrain to develop a machine based on the Husqvarna frame/chassis concept and coupled with the 450 cc four-stroke engine developed by BMW Motorrad. Following extensive trials, the team plans to deploy the motorcycle in the ongoing event.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Berthold Hauser adds: "Our goal is clear: with the BMW Husqvarna Motorsport team we intend to compete for the title in the E2 class of the 2010 Enduro World Championship. Our E2 class runner-up result in the drivers' and manufacturers' championship, our win in the Red Bull Romaniacs and many more triumphs and podium places around the world bear witness to the potential of the BMW G 450 X concept and the team's outstanding work in the season just past. Our joint involvement in enduro racing now provides the ideal platform on which to test how an authentic Husqvarna with the BMW G 450 X drive concept acquits itself in the competitive arena."

Team Husqvarna CH Racing will continue to run in the E1 and E3 class of the FIM Enduro World Championship. The Supermoto and Motocross segments will also remain under the Husqvarna banner.

Halbert Issued Single Digit Number for Most Combined Points Earned in AMA Pro Flat Track
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 12, 2010) - AMA Pro Racing is proud to announce that AMA Pro Flat Track rider Sammy Halbert will be issued a single digit competition number for earning the most points in the combined AMA Pro Expert Singles and Twins divisions of 2009 AMA Pro Grand National Championship.
Tradition has reserved single digit numbers for former AMA Pro Flat Track National Champions, however an exception has been made for Halbert in recognition of the effort, dedication and contribution that he made during the 2009 AMA Pro Flat Track season.
"The single digit number for Halbert has been being discussed since our awards banquet last October," said Mike Kidd, AMA Pro Racing Director of Flat Track. "We feel the single digit number is well deserved based on his accomplishments and is something that Sammy will cherish."
Beginning with the 2010 season, AMA Pro Racing will recognize the rider who earns the most combined points in the Grand National Championship Singles and Twins divisions as the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion.
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

The US F1 factory building has been placed up for sale. Crash.net sounds a bit skeptical about the teams attempt to down play the rumors that have resulted. The fact that the building is up for sale could be nothing more than a real estate deal and cash management. If this is part of a planed evolution of the team‘«÷s business plans it is no big deal. If it is an effort by a cash strapped F1 team to raise funds it is another sign of the pending downfall of the team. I suspect the later.

Norton‘«÷s return has been fun to follow. [url=http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39412]RoadRacing World[url] updates that apparently Superbike racer Chris Walker is now a sales manager for Norton.

Update: US Forest Service Launches Effort to Rewrite Forest Planning Rule -- Shifts Focus to 'Restoration'
Pre-written Response Available - Comments Due on February 16, 2010

The AMA circulated the following alert in January but given the complexity of the Forest Service's Notice of Intent (NOI) many AMA members have requested that the AMA make available a pre-written response. A brief pre-written response is now available by clicking the "Rapid Response Center" tab to the right.

The AMA encourages riders to personalize the pre-written response as much as possible by drawing on their own public land experiences.

In December, the USDA Forest Service announced that it would rewrite the national forest system land management-planning rule. The planning rule sets priorities and defines the process for the development and revision of site-specific management plans for every national forest or grassland.

The Forest Service has issued three planning rules since 2000 but two of them have been struck down by legal challenges and the 2000 rule has never been utilized because of its "complexity". In effect most current forest plans have been written under the planning rule of 1982.

The Forest Service raises a number of noteworthy concepts in the scoping document (Federal Register - December 18, 2009). Foremost being the concept of "restoration" which is heavily stressed but never defined. Nor does the document examine how making "restoration" a priority would affect recreation or other land uses. Rather the agency asks the public to provide comment on what "restoration" ought to mean. However, last August, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack stated publicly, "Restoration means managing forest lands first and foremost to protect our water resources, while making our forests more resilient to climate change."

Adaption to climate change and resiliency are frequently referenced in the document but it is left to the public to comment on how those concepts should be applied. Similarly the document suggests that local forest planners should not limit themselves to planning for National Forest Service land but should expand their efforts to include "all-lands" or whole watersheds.

Wrongly applied to local planning processes, many of the concepts raised in the scoping document could be very problematic for maintaining recreational access to public lands for a number of activities - including motorized recreation. The AMA strongly encourages off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to review the proposal and to provide written comment to the agency on the importance of recognizing recreational access in the forest planning process.

The Forest Service's Notice of Intent, background materials and information on how to comment are available at www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule. Comments will be accepted until February 16th.

The Forest Service expects to develop a proposed rule and a draft environmental impact statement by late fall 2010. The public will have additional comment opportunities at that time.

‘«™and in the Water

BMW ORACLE Racing wins 33rd America‘«÷s Cup. The US-Challenger defeats the Defender 2 to 0.
‘«ů 14.02.2010
‘«ů Press Release
Munich/ Valencia. The BMW ORACLE Racing team has won the 33rd America‘«÷s Cup, dethroning Swiss holder Alinghi. The challenger‘«÷s spectacular trimaran ‘«£USA 17‘«ō, with its futuristic 68-metre wing sail, defeated the catamaran ‘«£Alinghi 5‘«ō in the waters off Valencia on the second day to record the decisive second win. The best-of-three match ended 2-0 in favour of the US crew of owner Larry Ellison. This Deed of Gift series saw the holder and challenger go head-to-head in a straight duel.

‘«£Congratulations to Larry Ellison and his whole crew!‘«ō said Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing. ‘«£The goal we have all been working towards for over two and a half years has now been achieved. This has been a fantastic performance by the whole team. As Technology Partner, we have also made a successful contribution to winning the world‘«÷s most prestigious sporting trophy. We have positioned BMW as a competent partner in competitive sailing and have firmly established the transfer of technology in the America‘«÷s Cup. On the construction side, BMW engineers have set new benchmarks for intelligent lightweight design. Added to which, among the relevant target group, BMW is the highest-profile brand in competitive sailing.‘«ō

With 159 years of history, the America‘«÷s Cup is the world‘«÷s oldest sporting competition and brings together the best professional sailors, yacht designers and boat builders of their generation in the pursuit of perfection. For the 33rd America‘«÷s Cup, the BMW ORACLE Racing designers and engineers were charged with one of the most exacting challenges in the long history of the event. The design rules were wide open, and experts from a wide variety of specialist areas, such as materials research, aerospace, composite materials, electronics, data analysis and numerous branches of engineering, have all played their part in the design and construction of the high-tech yacht.

BMW engineers, for example, contributed their knowledge and EfficientDynamics expertise in the area of intelligent lightweight design. The aim was to build a yacht that was as light and torsionally stiff as possible and could stand up to the rigours of the race. In multihull racing, it is particularly important to keep weight low, as the yacht which can raise a float out of the water the quickest has a major advantage. The transfer of knowledge from the BMW engineers was not a one-way street; the valuable expertise gained over the course of the project will all find its way back to the BMW Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ). BMW has been involved in the America‘«÷s Cup as a Technology Partner since 2002.

The future involvement of BMW in the America‘«÷s Cup will depend on the development and organisation of the competition going forward. As Robertson explains: ‘«£We will make a decision on our further involvement in the America‘«÷s Cup over the coming weeks. What is already certain is that BMW will continue to be represented actively in yacht racing. We will go on playing an active role in raising global interest in sailing in the future and continue to use projects such as the BMW Sailing Cup and regional events in the various markets as a platform for customer relations and to further strengthen the BMW brand values.‘«ō

The BMW Group
The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of approximately 1.29 million automobiles and over 87,000 motorcycles for the 2009 financial year. Revenues for 2009 totalled euro 50.68 billion. At 31 December 2009, the company employed a global workforce of approximately 96,000 associates. The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last five years.

Bike Cruller

A classic cruller for you today; if you followed the Morning Reads in the past you may remember a long post about Munch Motorcycles. I will let you search the forum for the thread and just give you a link to the complete photo gallery for that post and this engine picture.

Friday, February 19

Sorry only an F1 post and no cruller. I have been obsessing about US F1.

Formula1.com

I have been following news of Miracle Max as he has been working to save US F1.
- There dead. No just the web site is down and servers are being repaired.
- There dead. No the car is still in development and the release to the public could be race weekend.
- There dead. Thankfully no response from Peter Windsor has come recently which in itself could be a response.

The failure to produce a real car to show to the public and drive on a test track has continued to spark rumors of all sorts. The press is interpreting the bits and pieces as signs of the pending death of US F1 if in fact it has not already happened. I tend to agree with them but there are other explanations which could drag this mess on life support through the season.

The Factory

I commented on the sale of the factory recently. As a business plan sale of the factory then renting it back can make sense to a racing team that needs every cent of operating capital. The story everyone is failing to dig into is the failure of the team to produce a car. I can do that long distance from fly-over-land.

The Web Site

The US F1 web site went down which sent out a new set of rumors that the team was dead. Twitter to the rescue: "The web server is down and is being repaired as this is written. We are not gone, as many have reported. More news soon." I checked the site again this AM and it is back up.

Chad Hurley

The YouTube co founder‘«÷s participation as an investor in the team was big news. Rumors have been floating that he and head of business development Brian Bonner have left the team. The rumor mill has Hurley talking with Campos about getting involved there. Why? There could be another reason beyond jumping out of his seat at US F1.

In the off season meetings at Monaco, which were caped by the awarding of the F1 Championship trophies to Button and Brawn, how to better use the internet to bring the sport to the world and increase value for Ecclestone‘«÷s group, the FIA and team owners was a major topic of seminars. Hurley may well be talking with Campos. They are a new team with few links and commitments to web developers. Talks with Campos could be the first of many in an effort by Hurley to stake his claim to some of the business and money out there.

The Car

The team has one driver and could start the season that way. The obstacle to that is not an interpretation of the contract they have with Ecclestone but the apparent lack of a car. Yes we have seen video of a nose and a chassis being wired but there remains the lack of a car unlike other new teams.

Campos has a car that needs to go to the track and be tested. Virgin has an undependable car that keeps using up all the spares the team has thus limiting test track time. Lotus has a car that is reported to have great promise but Kovy stuck it into the gravel then a wall and ended testing. Stephan GP is busily working away at the former Toyota F1 Cologne base to develop an entry should the opportunity come up. Reuters is reporting that Stephan GP is nearing a deal to sign Villeneuve and that car development is continuing.

US F1

The silence of Peter Windsor over the last month could be explained away as a man focused on his team in the final days before its first season. But the loquacious Windsor has never been at a loss for words in the past. His silence echoes in the garage that should house a US F1 car.

I am not a Peter Windsor fan yet I can find explanations for all the rumors that have a US F1 car on the grid to start the 2010 F1 season. Yet all those explanations and a buck will still only get you a small coffee and change at the official fly-over-land gas station. I wish Miracle Max well but I fear the patient is dead not just mostly dead.

Saturday, February 20

Munich/Stephanskirchen, 19th February 2010. Finally the waiting is over. The teams in the FIM Superbike World Championship are preparing for the first race weekend of the 2010 season from 26th to 28th February in Australia. The riders and teams will lock horns at the Phillip Island Circuit, located 120 kilometres southeast of Melbourne in the state of Victoria.

Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport has been preparing relentlessly for the season ahead, with the crews in Stephanskirchen and Munich working flat out on the development of the bike and team. In January Troy Corser (AUS) and Ruben Xaus (ESP) together racked up 1,985 kilometres of testing in Portimao and Valencia, despite poor weather conditions.

Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport has set itself some ambitious targets for its second season in the Superbike World Championship. The young team, which amassed a total of 17 top-ten finishes last year, is aiming to record its first podium finish over the course of 2010.

Troy Corser:
“For me the weekend on Phillip Island is always something special as it’s my home race. I took the opportunity once again to go back home and spend some time with friends and family.

I think I can speak for the majority of the riders when I say that Phillip Island is one of the best circuits around. I always hugely enjoy competing there – and not only because it’s my home track. From a rider’s point of view, the circuit flows very nicely, and safety levels are very high. Every year I look forward to the annual ‘Corser weekend’ at the track. My family, friends and a lot of guys from back in New South Wales come along to support me. The atmosphere’s just great.”

Ruben Xaus:
“Phillip Island is like paradise. The people are unbelievably welcoming and the atmosphere is very laid-back. It’s a proper ‘natural’ circuit here; there’s really nothing else like it on the Superbike World Championship calendar. But it’s not only the landscape that’s fantastic; the track layout is something special and there are a lot of fast, flowing corners.

We got off to a good start here in our debut season. Troy came in eighth in Race 1 and I finished 11th in the second race. I’m confident that we can raise our level from last year. The team has moved forward a lot. We now have data from all the circuits, as well as a whole lot more experience than in 2009. I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Berthold Hauser, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director:
“We are delighted that the first race weekend of the season is once again taking place in Australia. There’s always a very special atmosphere here. The Australians are sports-mad and have been well and truly bitten by the Superbike bug. Last year both riders recorded encouraging results in the first two races for our team, and we’re also hoping to enjoy a good start to our second season on the grid.

We have taken big strides forward as a team and are approaching our second season in confident mood. Last year we finished in the top ten on 17 occasions. Our goal for 2010 is to close the gap to the leading teams, and we’ll be looking to post our first podium finish. That’s the ambitious aim we have set ourselves for our second year in what is an extremely challenging World Championship.”

Background:
With the exception of 1993, the Phillip Island Circuit in Australia has hosted the Superbike World Championship every year since 1990. The circuit was christened after its island venue, which is connected to the state of Victoria by a bridge measuring more than 600 metres in length. The circuit was built directly on the water’s edge in 1956, since when it has been given several upgrades. Big variations in elevation and a buffeting wind blowing in off the sea are characteristic features of the circuit.

As well as the Superbike World Championship, the Phillip Island Circuit also hosts races in the MotoGP World Championship and V8 Supercar series. It was here in 1996 that Troy Corser celebrated his first Superbike World Championship title in front of his home crowd. Corser heads the all-time winners’ list at the circuit with seven victories.

The last corner, taken in fourth gear, is particularly crucial in setting a fast lap at Phillip Island. How well the riders negotiate this corner dictates how much speed they can carry into the Gardner Straight. Here, you need to be careful to avoid wheelies and excessive wheel spin. The riders have to hit the line through Doohan Corner spot on in order to get themselves in the right position for the challenging Southern Loop. Then it’s a drop down along the Bass Strait section into the Honda hairpin, the first of the lap and an extremely important area of the track.
Facts and figures:

BMW is not the only team undergoing management changes. worldsbk.com: Francesco Guidotti becomes new Aprilia SBK team manager

Andrew Pitt Tries Reitwagen BMW For Size At Phillip Island Ride Day
Phillip Island Ride Day customers were treated to a special experience earlier this week when Australian dual World Supersport Champion Andrew Pitt tried his new Reitwagen BMW Team S 1000 RR for size in the A group over two days.

With electronic components failing to arrive in time for the team to take part in their official test at Eastern Creek in early January, the decision was made to allow Andrew to spend a few days lapping Phillip Island to make a start on bike preparations in the lead up to official testing this coming weekend.

Andrew Pitt, "Although this was not at all what I would call a test, the laps were very valuable in setting up riding position for footpegs, levers, handlebars and so forth, plus allowed us to scrub brake discs and find a starting point for geometry.
We also learned a small amount about tyre wear and we have helpful data to take to the official tests this weekend.

"With the amount of traffic and the speed of the superbike compared to road bikes, obviously safety of other riders and myself was a priority over the two days and although no timing equipment is allowed I would estimate that I was a good few seconds off normal testing pace. However, this still allowed us to play with geometry and riding position and allowed me to become familiar with the bike.

"There is no doubt the bike is very fast and the power curve is nice so I'm looking forward to really pushing the bike this weekend."

Special thanks to Steve Brouggy and team from Phillip Island Ride Days.
To follow Andrew's progress or email him fan mail visit his website

Competitor Bulletin #2010-06, regarding the next approved AMA Pro Road Racing test that will be held April 1st and 2nd at Infineon Raceway.

Press Release:

SPEED to Air AMA Pro Flat Track GNC Short Track National on All-New DAYTONA?ę Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 19, 2010) - AMA Pro Racing and Daytona International Speedway are pleased to announce the Daytona Short Track National will air in high-definition Sunday, March 7th on SPEED at 6 p.m. ET.
Back-to-back Daytona Short Track Nationals will kick off the 2010 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship at the new DAYTONA?ę Flat Track on March 3rd and 4th. After traditionally being staged at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium, the events now have a new home on a quarter-mile lime rock dirt track located in the West Lot outside NASCAR Turns 1 and 2.

The one hour show will feature highlights from March 3rd with coverage of the March 4th race. The Daytona Short Track Nationals have a tradition as two of the most difficult nationals of the year just to make the main events, as over 300 entries are expected over the two days. Speed will capture the excitement and thrills of handle bar to handle bar action on the ultra fast quarter-mile track.

Henry Wiles will make his first appearance of the year carrying the No. 1 plate on his Kawasaki 450 after winning the 2009 AMA Pro Grand National Expert Singles division. Defending Pro Singles National Champion Brad Baker will make his debut on a Honda 450 carrying the No. 1 in the Pro Singles National.

"We are thrilled that our season opener on the new DAYTONA?ę Flat Track will be on SPEED," AMA Pro Racing Director of Flat Track, Mike Kidd said. "This is a great opportunity for our fans, riders, teams and sponsors to showcase one of the most exciting forms of motorcycle racing in the country."

SPEED™ is the nation's first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 79 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country and, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEEDtv.com, the online motor sports authority.

Formula 1

Campos has a new principal share holder that puts its financial worries at rest. formula1.com: Kolles in charge as Campos takeover confirmed
"Over the next 10 days we will review the entire operation, find the extra funding to ensure the team will make the first race in Bahrain, announce the line-up for 2010 in due time and make the operation viable under Jose Ramon Carabante's new ownership."

This was the email subject line from an Australian motorcycle newsletter I subscribe to. The text was full of the normal press release dribble that I will spare you from. Two things I will share are the prices in Australian and New Zealand dollars (head out to your own favorite currency converter to make your own assessment of cost) and the closing lines of the press release.

The S1000RR continues to have issues on the track but around it seems to be a big hit selling out of the planed production run. BMW’s stated goals for the sportbike market were never to dominate it but to take around a 10% share worldwide. In the last estimate I saw BMW was putting that market at around 85,000 units per year or 8,500 bikes for BMW.

Today’s cruller comes by way of The Kneeslider and their article on Gunnar Sorensen.

This bike represents three years of work by Sorensen machining and casting various parts. The article will give you more details. Follow the link to Gunnar Sorensens’s site and you will be treated to more pictures of the works from this master builder.

P.S. The site is not in English so bring your translator or just drool at the pictures.

Last edited by Mika; 02-20-2010 at 06:02 PM.
Reason: fix stuff I screwed up

Monday, February 22

worldsbk.com: Fabrizio leaves with top SBK time
BMW finished the Phillip Island session looking at the top ten times from the outside. Xaus 1th and Corser 14th fastest times. So what does all of this mean? Testing is just that, testing. Without knowing the test plans for the individual teams it is hard to properly rank riders and bikes. Yet the times do give an indication of where BMW is at. The team does not seem to have made up any ground on the competition while at the same time not really loosing any. Podium finishes should not be expected till later in the season if at all. The base bike continues to be strong but hampered by the black box and difficulty laying the base performance down on the track.

Life for last years top teams is not without problems.crash.net: R1 chatter causing Yamaha grumbles

Programme:
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport today focussed on the basic set-up of Troy Corser‘«÷s (AUS) and Ruben Xaus‘«÷ (ESP) BMW S 1000 RR. With the first World Championship race weekend just ahead, the riders spent a lot of time out on the track. During the second session, Ruben crashed in turn 10, but was able to return to the team garage and to continue testing. The team did not face any technical problems.

‘«£It is always nice to come to Phillip Island as it is my home race. The bike is quite different to when we came here last year. Today we were testing different tyres and worked on the balance of the bike. We tried to find grip and made adjustments step by step.‘«ō

‘«£Compared to last year‘«÷s season start, the bike feels a lot better. We found a lot of grip. I fell off the bike in turn 10 today. However, I was able to bring the bike back to the garage and we could improve our lap time later. So it was not a big issue.‘«ō

What comes next:
The team will continue testing at Phillip Island Circuit on Monday.

Programme:
A wet track, in the morning only, allowed for limited track time in the beginning of the first session. With the tarmac drying up, both Ruben Xaus (ESP) and Troy Corser (AUS) completed a lot of laps and made good progress with the set-up of the BMW S 1000 RR. Their respective crews compared the different tyre compounds and worked on the chassis and suspension set-up.

‘«£I am quite satisfied with today‘«÷s test. Especially our lap time in the afternoon makes me confident. The rideability of the bike has improved a lot. I have the feeling that we took the right decisions over the course of the test. My crew did a good job and I am confident that we can score quite good results during the race weekend.‘«ō

‘«£We tested many things today. Some things felt well, some things not. For me, the bike still is a little nervous on bumps ‘«Ű both on acceleration and deceleration. In the afternoon we worked on making the bike more comfortable and controllable on bumps. We have got lots of information about many, many things. We now have to analyze the data and see what we can do. The fact that the bike is quite different to last year makes a proper comparison a little difficult.‘«ō

What comes next:
While the team will stay at Phillip Island for the next couple of days, Troy will be at the official Infront Motor Sports pre-event press conference on Wednesday morning at Melbourne‘«÷s Eureka Skydeck 88. It is the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere (300 metres in height) and the only observation deck in the world that can thrill visitors with ‘«ˇThe Edge‘«÷, a glass cube which projects three metres out of the building.

Formula 1 and ‘«™

autosport.com: US F1 seeks permission to miss races
‘«£In an interview with the New York Times yesterday, Anderson revealed that US F1 was unlikely to make it to Bahrain on March 14, and was seeking to miss the Australian, Malaysian and Chinese Grands Prix as well.‘«ō

-related-

speedtv.com: US F1 mulls options
‘«£President of the FIA Senate, American Nick Craw, says the sport's governing body will work with USF1 to help them make the grid. He also confirmed the fledging F1 team, who are struggling for funding, have asked for clarification on the rule about skipping races.‘«ō

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Auction of private collection of 100 vintage motocles
On February 27, 2010 at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum in Hendon, England, Bonhams will auction 100 mainly pre-1950 motorcycles belonging to a prominent Spanish private collector.

BMW announced a plan to build an electric car. The focus of the vehicle is for the urban setting. The company has been working on hydrogen powered cars for many years and has used the 7 Series as its flagship for this development. There is no indication that the announcement signals an abandonment of that project or that this electric car development is being done in concert with that effort as a multi-track approach.

The emphasis on Germany as the home of the project is interesting for several reasons. BMW auto and motorcycle production has been spread across the globe in recent years. Sub components and assembly plants can be found on every continent. Those plants produce products developed in Germany. This allows for expansion and contraction of production with relative ease to meet the demands of various markets. While it provides jobs and development in the host countries it does little to foster innovation at any level beyond tailoring products designed in Germany to the host countries market. The electric project continues this approach.

The MINI has been the test bed to date for BMW electric vehicles. The development for the MINI has been more along the lines of a retro-fit of electric power to that platform than anything like a new line of thought. When it comes to innovation the development has been brought back in house and under the banner of the Roundel.

The implications for motorcycles are not clear and will be realized in the long term if at all. The announcement of the C1e concept late last year suggests that BMW sees electric power as one of the future power sources for motorcycles. Technology developed for the new car such as batteries and controllers could trickle down to the Motorrad segment of BMW.

BMW Group to build progressive electric vehicle in Leipzig with major components from Bavaria. Clear commitment to Germany as the home of production.
‘«ů 22.02.2010
‘«ů Press Release
Munich. The BMW Group is developing BMW Plant Leipzig to produce an electric vehicle and making additional investments in a number of facilities in Bavaria. In a joint venture with SGL Carbon, SGL Automotive Fibers GmbH & Co KG, carbon fibre fabrics will be produced in Wackersdorf and processed to CFRP components for the new vehicle at BMW Plant Landshut.

Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of BMW AG, confirmed clearly the company‘«÷s commitment to Germany as an industrial centre: ‘«£The BMW Group will build the car of the future in Leipzig with high-tech innovations from Bavaria. The main reasons behind this decision are the qualities that Germany has to offer: we have a tried and tested production network here and high levels of education and outstanding competencies at our disposal.‘«ō

With this decision to produce in Leizpig, Landhsut and Wackersdorf, the BMW Group is preparing for series production of a car known by its project name of Megacity Vehicle. With this new automobile, the BMW Group will be providing an innovative solution for sustainable mobility in urban environments. It is being developed as part of project i and is due to reach the market in the first half of this decade under a sub-brand of BMW.
-related-

Wednesday, February 24

World Superbike likes it down under and will be staying until at least 2014 at Phillips Island

BSB

crash.net: BMW choose Jentlin, Brogan for BSB debut
‘«£BMW has confirmed it will enter the MCE British Superbike Championship in 2010 after coming to an agreement with Jentin Racing to enter a bike for Steve Brogan in the Evo category.‘«ō

MotoGP

Dorna head visits the Inmotec to check in the development of the GP1 10 bike. Currently scheduled to debut in July it will be the first Spanish built GP machine.

bbc.co.uk: F1 teams ready for pre-season showdown
Ferrari has been led testing to date but this is testing.
‘«£But things can change very quickly. None of the cars has so far run in the specification in which they will compete in Bahrain, and all of the teams will have updates for this week's runs in Barcelona, and yet more for the first race of the campaign. The difference those updates make to each car's performance could easily shuffle the competitive order significantly.‘«ō

The pack that has tested to date may shuffle in Jerez testing but Stephan GP continues to think the grid in Bahrain will see a shuffle also.
"Definitely, we are waiting for something to happen because the time is very short and the deadline for Bahrain is approaching," the businessman told Reuters on Wednesday.
"If you are going to Bahrain you have to be packed by next Wednesday and we think we will be able to reach something by then."
Tech Talk Mercedes MPG W01 - pyramid-shaped roll structure

I bumped into this image on several sites today. For the rider that does not have the luxury of secure storage for their bike the British company Motosafe has this idea.

‘«£The Motosafe is an ultra secure motorbike parking garage.Safe behind a 6 bolt locked and powered door, each Motosafe allows a rider to store not only a bike, but helmet, leathers, boots and other gear on the shelf and hangers which are provided inside.

Constructed from heavy duty galvanised steel with up and over door with no external hinges 10mm thick locking bars with secure ground fixing points. Three external locking points high security ,anti-drill and anti-saw padlocks included.

Delivered to your door for easy assembly, with full instructions provided. Can be secured to both hardstanding or grass and the weatherproof design ensures a dry and clean bike.

I did not find pricing but it would have been in pounds and you would have to add shipping costs. Motosafe claims there may be insurance savings to be had if you have one which would offset some of the acquisition costs over time.

Another British based company may be coming up with new bikes to put into a Motosafe for you.

Triumph has been one manufacturer that has bucked the downward trend by showing sales increase. Now Hell for Leather Magazine is reporting it will be rolling out seven new models by the end of 2012 and speculates about market segments that Triumph has left untapped with its current line.

If the Motosafe is not your choice to house a Triumph BMW or other bike because you have a real garage does your shop match up to the beautiful functional home workshops that The Kneeslider is showing?

Where to put the compressor is a question raised by many as they plan their workshops. If the bike or cage you work on is electric you may need to plan space for a Bloom Box too.

Thursday, February 25

BMW Motorrad Motorsport back for Superbike World Championship season opener

For motorsport fans it has been a long wait but this weekend marks a welcome return of the Superbike World Championship, which kicks off at Phillip Island circuit in Australia ‘«Ű the same venue where BMW Motorrad Motorsport‘«÷s inaugural WSBK season began just 12 months ago.

Having surprised everybody with such strong performances and 17 top ten finishes in their first year of competition with the S 1000 RR Superbike, BMW Motorrad Motorsport is confident of building on this and will be targeting podium finishes in its second season with top riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus.

It has been a busy few months for BMW Motorrad. Indeed, the successful press launch and subsequent arrival of the series production S 1000 RR in dealerships worldwide has meant that the hugely praised 193 hp Superbike has rarely been out of the headlines. Following January‘«÷s ‘«ˇshakedown‘«÷ tests in Portugal and Spain ‘«Ű where Corser and Xaus delivered almost 2,000 kilometres worth of riding feedback to their crews ‘«Ű the team has since arrived at Phillip Island and completed the final official pre-season tests in preparation for the first round of the championship on Sunday.

After two days of testing alongside all the other teams in a variety of weather conditions, both BMW riders completed plenty of laps, with Xaus setting his best time of 1:32.714 on the second session of the final day and finishing 11th fastest overall.

‘«£I‘«÷m quite satisfied with today‘«÷s test ‘«Ű especially the lap times set in the afternoon make me confident,‘«ō said Ruben. ‘«£The rideability of the bike has improved a lot and I have the feeling that we made good progress over the course of the tests. My crew did a great job and I‘«÷m confident that we can score some good results during the race weekend.‘«ō

‘«ˇLocal‘«÷ hero Troy Corser posted a fastest lap of 1:32.8 after completing 78 laps on Sunday and 56 laps during a rain-interrupted Monday test. His home circuit is one of his favourites and he is ready and raring to go this weekend.

"For me the weekend at Phillip Island is always something special and I think I can speak for the majority of the riders when I say that it is one of the best circuits around. I always hugely enjoy competing there ‘«Ű and not just because it's my home track. From a rider's point of view, the circuit flows very nicely, and safety levels are very high. Every year I look forward to the annual 'Corser weekend' at the track. My family and friends always come along to support me and the atmosphere's just great."

Sharp-eyed race fans will have noticed the prominent ‘«ˇ3asy Ride‘«÷ logo on Troy and Ruben‘«÷s S 1000 RR race bikes, as well as on their leathers. This innovative, manufacturer-backed finance programme is currently being rolled out internationally and offers riders three easy options to get on a BMW and discover the many benefits of the brand. Watch this space for more details on this great new BMW product.

Meanwhile, back to Phillip Island and more good news for BMW fans. There will be a total of four BMW riders on the grid, as factory riders Troy and Ruben will be joined by Team Reitwagen BMW riders Andrew Pitt and Roland Resch, who will compete alongside the works squad and are determined to challenge the regular championship top-runners. This welcome new addition to the BMW family will definitely be worth watching throughout 2010, as will the BMW Motorrad Italia-supported team of Ayrton Badovini and Daniele Beretta, who are both competing in the FIM Superstock series that supports WSBK European rounds.

Those fans that aren‘«÷t lucky enough to make the journey to Australia to watch the World Superbike races live will be glad to know that a full race results service will be available in English and German on the www.bmw-motorrad.com website, including previews, qualifying and race reports. And those who want to receive all the news from the races via email, can simply subscribe to the BMW Motorrad Motorsport newsletter.

Airfence Barriers to be Deployed for 2010 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Season
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 23, 2010) - AMA Pro Racing is proud to announce Airfence brand inflatable soft barriers will be deployed for the 2010 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship, beginning with the Daytona Short Track Nationals on March 3-4, 2010.
Due to concerns for rider safety, the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) has agreed to donate its fleet of 30-foot sections of Airfence inflatable soft barrier to the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF), which will assign a total of 46 sections to AMA Pro Racing for deployment exclusively at flat track racing events.
In 2005, the IMDA purchased 30 sections of Airfence with a grant received from Ford Motor Company, and donations to the RWAF by fans, racers and sponsors funded the purchase of 16 additional sections. Those 46 sections have been deployed by IMDA at flat track events, mostly in the Midwest.
Tommra Kiesow, Director of the IMDA said, "We are proud to be able to donate such an important asset to the sport of flat track racing, with the help of the RWAF. We are confident AMA Pro Racing will handle the Airfence with expert care and get many more years of use."
Airfence inflatable soft barriers are designed and manufactured by Airfence Safety Systems (Australia) Pty. Ltd. and used extensively in motorcycle racing to help protect riders from hitting hard walls or objects as the result of a crash.
"When I first heard the Airfence was going to be available, I thought 'Wow.' I know from my experience as a board member of the Roadracing World Action Fund the logistical and financial commitment it takes to deploy Airfence at races on the Grand National Championship is no easy task," said Chris Carr, seven-time AMA Pro Grand National Champion. "I applaud the IMDA and AMA Pro Racing's proactive approach to rider safety."
Mike Kidd, AMA Pro Racing Director of Flat Track said, "The IMDA has done a great job providing Airfence to their mile races and other events which needed extra protection. I am glad we can now extend that same safety protection to all our half-mile and mile events along with selected short track and TT races."
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

Rumored and teased for some time a new cruller from a long time baker has been revealed. No news from Yamaha is this cruller will make it to the US or not. Read MotorcycleDaily.com‘«÷s Dirck J. Edge comments for more information.